Shooting with a pacemaker in the shoulder area!

I got the news from the doctor today that next tuesday I get a pacemaker put in.They put those things in under the left collar bone I hear.Due to a vision condition I have to shoot my rifles left handed. Is this going to be a problem for me. Anyone info from someone with the same condition would be helpful. Thanks

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Robby

October 21, 2008, 05:32 PM

You can request that it be placed in the other shoulder. When mine was put in the surgeon asked if I shot left handed with rifle or shotgun.

You need to talk to the surgeon, ASAP. they can do it for you No Problem, I was told. But if you say nothing, no shoot with that shoulder. Mine would definitely take abuse if I was doing it left handed.

JImbothefiveth

October 21, 2008, 05:33 PM

Also ask if handguns would be okay

Robby

October 21, 2008, 05:35 PM

I have done two hand gun courses, and many short shooting sessions since mine went in. I shoot hand guns right handed, but even shooting weak handed was not a problem at all. I know they told me to wait a few weeks before shooting with weak hand.

Mk VII

October 21, 2008, 05:37 PM

fellow I know here is left-handed. He told them to put it in the other side.

hso

October 21, 2008, 07:31 PM

Speak up and don't be passive. Tell them they need to put it in on the other side.

Dravur

October 22, 2008, 11:17 AM

Is it weird that I read that as putting a Peacemaker in the shoulder.... that was confusing.

I mean, I love old Colts too, but to have one surgically installed...

raveneap

October 22, 2008, 03:53 PM

I had an ICD procedure (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator plus pacemaker) last January. It's in my upper left chest. I asked the doctor if it could go on the right side as I'm left handed. He said that he'd prefer the left as the leads would be closer to the heart. At that point I said ok - he's the doctor and I'm the one the unit will hopefully save if ever needed. He also said I can shoot all the handguns I want but no rifles. Interestingly, no power mowers, snorwblowers, etc. either as the electromagnetic field generated by their engines has a slight chance of interfering with the programming of the unit. Anyway, I'm primarily a handgun shooter so can live with that. (No pun intended.)

Robby

October 22, 2008, 05:15 PM

Funny, my surgeon said it made no difference to him which side it went on. He just wanted to make sure, I was not going to hammer it with the butt of a rifle or shotgun.
If by accident, or intent you do use a prohibited device, a tech told me all the modern implants do reset themselves if interfered with.
But I do not reccommend pushing your luck, with the Defrib. version.

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